the Aviation Dictionary

comPass north- . com~ound
b. Middle Compass Locator (LMM) - A compass compiler - A special computer program that converts a
locator installed at the site of the middle marker of an high-level computer language used by a programmer
instrument landing system.
into machine language that can be used by the
compass north-The north to which a compass actually
computer.
points. Its field is produced by the combination of the complement of an angle - The angle that, when added
Earth's magnetic field and the local magnetic fields to the original angle, makes a 90" angle.
within the aircraft.
complex airplane - An airplane that has a retractable
compass rose - A circle marked out on a flat part of an landing gear, flaps, and a controllable pitch propeller.
- -
airport away from magnetic interference. It is marked
complex circuit - A circuit consisting of a number of
every thirty degrees of magnetic direction. The airplane
components, where some are arranged in series and
is taxied onto this rose, and the magnetic compass is
others in parallel.
adjusted to agree with the heading of each of the
marks.
complex number - The sum of a real number and an
imaginary number.
compass saw - A small, thin-bladed saw used to cut
intricate designs into a material.
compass swinging - The process of aligning the aircraft
on a series of known magnetic headings and adjusting
the compensating magnets to bring the compass
heading as near the magnetic heading as possible.
compass turns - Maintaining heading and making turns
with reference to the magnetic compass only.
compensated cam - The magneto cam used on highperformance
radial engines. One lobe is provided for
each cylinder, and the lobes are ground in such a way
that the magneto points will open when the piston is a
given linear distance from the top of the cylinder rather
than a given angular distance. his compensates for the
relationship of the master rod pistons and those
connected to the crankshaft through the link rods.
compensated relief valve - An oil pressure relief valve
with a thermostatic valve that decreases the regulated
oil pressure when the oil warms up. High pressure is
allowed to force the cold oil through the engine, but the
pressure is automatically decreased when the oil
temperature increases.
compensating cam - A cam used in conjunction with
the collective pitch control to add the correct amount of
engine power for the pitch of the rotor. Used on turbine
powered helicopters.
compensating port - A port inside a brake master
cylinder that vents the wheel cylinder to the reservoir
when the brake is not applied. It prevents fluid
expansion from causing the brakes to drag when
temperatures increase.
compensating winding - A series winding in a highoutput
generator wound between the main pole and the
interpoles to aid in brushless commutation and
overcoming armature reaction.
compensation - A defense mechanism that attempts to
disguise a weak or undesirable quality by emphasizing
a more positive one. Students may lower the scope of
their goals to avoid possible failure in achieving goals
that are more difficult.
Aircraft Technical Book Company
P.O. Box 270
Tabernash, CO 80478
http://w.ACTechbooks.com
compliance - Being in accordance with a regulation or
directive.
component - Any one of several parts in a combination
of parts that make up a unit or whole.
composite - Two or more substances which are
combined to produce material properties not present
when either substance is used alone.
composite fan blades - An advanced technology blade
design not yet in current use. Its composition is an
epoxy-resin material and graphite fiber. It is stronger
than fiberglass and 20% to 30% lighter than metals of
the same strength. -
composite flight plan - A flight plan which specifies
VFR operation for one portion of flight and IFR for
another portion. It is used primarily in military
operations.
composite route system - An organized oceanic route
structure, incorporating reduced lateral spacing
between routes, in which composite separation is
authorized.
composite separation - A method of separating aircraft
in a composite route system where, by management of
route and altitude assignments, a combination of half
the lateral minimum specified for the area concerned
and half the vertical minimum is applied.
-.
composite structure - A structure made up of two or
more substances that, when combined, produce a
structure with properties not present when the
individual substances are used alone.
composition resistor - An electrical device made up of
carbon and some insulator. The amount of resistance to
current flow depends on the relative amounts of carbon
and the insulator.
compound - A new entity formed by a union of
elements or parts. The constituents lose their original
identity and assume the characteristics of the
compound.